Agreement Covers Enhanced Healthcare Services, Academic Opportunities, Medical Research, and Awareness for Healthy Lifestyle Among Campus Community

Khalifa University has inaugurated an on-site clinic in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s leading medical center Advanced Cure Diagnostic Centre, to provide primary, occupational, and preventive healthcare services to students, faculty, and staff, along with emergency and first aid response at the Khalifa University Main Campus.

The on-site clinic follows a contract agreement signed by Esmaeel AbdulKarim Abdulla AlAhmed, Vice-President, Procurement and Contracts, Khalifa University, and Yasser Geissah, Managing Director, Cure Medical. The agreement also covers academic opportunities for medical research, and other initiatives to promote healthcare-related awareness and the establishment of five additional centers to be located across the Khalifa University Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus as well as all male and female student dorms. Fostering a healthy environment, the clinic is expected to contribute to the university’s objective of creating a disease-free community while complying with Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) regulations. 

A range of services were on offer as part of the inauguration of the clinic at the Main Campus. They included  dental check-ups, facial consultations, vital signs monitoring, glucometer tests, Tanita body composition analysis, spirometry, and cholesterol tests, selected to address various aspects of health and wellness in the campus community.

Additionally, the clinic aims to collaborate with other community organizations to offer year-long awareness campaigns and events for students and staff at Khalifa University. Some of the planned events will focus on breast cancer awareness, World Mental Health Day, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, ergonomics, and easy exercises for desk workers.

Initiatives from Cure Medical Center will also include creating awareness through walks and runs and health-related discussions as well as activities on World chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Day with pulmonologists, World Cancer Day, World Health Day, Women’s Day, cervical health and thyroid, glaucoma week with ophthalmology checks and lectures on allergy, and awareness on hypertension. 

The on-site clinic at Main Campus will be manned with General Practitioners registered with the DoH, as well as DoH-registered male and female nurses to conduct consultations, order tests, make referrals to specialists, prescribe medications, handle emergencies, and provide support to students and individuals on campus with specific needs.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
28 March 2024

Dr. Khalid Askar’s Research Not Only Tackles Plastic Pollution but Aligns with the UAE’s Plans to Divert 75% of Waste from Landfill  

A new technological solution to sort waste based on the actual properties of post-consumer materials, rather than relying solely on visual differences with the help of machine intelligence, is being developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Khalid Askar, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, in collaboration with Cycled Technologies Middle East, a recycling technology company in the region.

As a novel step towards combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainability, the research project aims to transform the circular waste management model – addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges – plastic pollution, an environmental concern which was of immense significance at the COP28 UAE climate summit.

Dr. Askar said: “By turning the concept of waste into the concept of value creation, the project also fosters a community-wide inclination towards recycling; significantly reducing the cost and environmental impact associated with implementing circular waste management practices. This project aligns perfectly with the UAE’s ambitious plans of diverting 75% of waste away from landfills, acting as a crucial enabler for this environmental goal. Another key highlight of the research project is to increase real-time traceability of post-consumer materials, paving the way for a fully digitalized and smarter waste management industry.”

Working with Ayoola Brimmo, Co-Founder and COO, Cycled Technologies, and Chia-Yun Lai, Research Assistant, Materials Science and Engineering, Dr. Askar seeks to extend the capability of existing waste sorting technology in the plastic recycling industry. By leveraging the power of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based machine learning AI algorithms, this new technology processes characterization data to define and detect surface contamination thresholds on plastic items.  

Ayoola Brimmo said: “With a vision to create a smarter and more environmentally responsible waste management industry, Cycled Technologies is delighted to partner with Khalifa University to transform the way we approach recycling and contribute to a more sustainable future. This research collaboration fosters a culture of innovation and technological advancement, and showcases our commitment to driving sustainable solutions and economic growth. More importantly, it addresses plastic pollution and promotes sustainable waste management practices, marking a crucial step forward in the region’s environmental and economic landscape.”

The project includes a prototype housed at the Masdar Institute Field Station, a Khalifa University research facility. This prototype utilizes a vent for intake of waste, which is then transported via a conveyor belt for compression, after which intelligent systems integrated into the prototype capture detailed images of the plastic properties. This enables the AI system to learn and identify the type of plastic present in the waste material. 

The prototype’s advanced sorting and classification process also has the potential to provide invaluable information for industries engaged in plastic recycling and reuse and as the AI system continues to train itself, the research can also enable identification of other materials beyond plastics. Additionally, portability may not be a challenge, as Dr. Askar’s team anticipates that the large size of the sorting technology will facilitate the collection of substantial quantities of plastic waste.

The implications of this research project extend far beyond waste management as it aligns with the Abu Dhabi 2030 strategy on economic diversification, bridging the gap between academia and industry, positioning the UAE as a high-tech hub for innovators. 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
28 March 2024

Hydrogen offers promise in decarbonization efforts with research from Khalifa University showing production from hydrogen sulfide powered by renewable energy a particularly green option

Hydrogen has emerged as a potential solution to the world’s energy needs because it is a cleaner alternative to traditional carbon-derived energy. With experts predicting a surge in demand, it is crucial to upscale the hydrogen economy and improve the performance of hydrogen-producing technologies.

A team of researchers including Khalifa University’s Dr. Khalid Al Ali, Associate Professor, and Asma al Blooshi, PhD student, conducted a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of a hydrogen sulfide-splitting model that replicates a pilot-scale plant. Their study focused on evaluating the environmental performance of the innovative two-step solar thermochemical process for hydrogen production.

By meticulously examining both the operational and construction phases of the pilot-scale plant, the research team aimed to provide valuable insights into the environmental implications of adopting this cutting-edge technology. Their findings underscored the pivotal role of renewable energy sources in mitigating the environmental footprint of hydrogen production, particularly through processes like electrolysis. Dr. Al Ali and Al Blooshi collaborated with researchers from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, with their results published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, ranking among the top 1% of journals in the field.

Hydrogen can be produced from various sources. Almost 47 percent of the world’s hydrogen is produced from natural gas, 27 percent from coal, 22 percent from oil, and around 4 percent from electrolysis. Each technology varies in terms of its economic and environmental performance, depending on factors such as emission rates and the costs associated with its construction and operation.

“The global landscape of hydrogen production is diverse, with natural gas, coal, and oil being the primary sources,” Dr. Al Ali says. “However, the environmental footprint of these methods has sparked a search for greener alternatives. Electrolysis, powered by renewable energy, is a promising solution with some economic hurdles, but continuous advancements in research and technology will make green hydrogen a viable, cost-effective option.”

Hydrogen sulfide is a by-product of the oil and gas industry and can be converted to hydrogen through various processes such as thermochemical decomposition. This gas, often referred to as “sour gas,” poses significant environmental and safety challenges due to its toxic and corrosive nature. Converting hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen not only mitigates environmental pollution but also offers a valuable opportunity for energy recovery. However, the research team concluded that powering the process with renewable energy would further reduce the environmental impact, enhancing the sustainability of hydrogen production from hydrogen sulfide. Through innovative technologies like solar thermochemical processes, hydrogen production can be achieved more sustainably, contributing to the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy landscape.

“Our study assesses the environmental performance of producing hydrogen from a waste product such as hydrogen sulfide,” Dr. Al Ali says. “The process is powered by solar energy as it is economically and environmentally advantageous compared to processes powered by electricity from the grid. It is essential to assess emerging technologies such as this using life-cycle assessment to determine the environmental performance. Apart from producing hydrogen as an alternative clean-energy carrier, treating hydrogen sulfide also greatly lessens the environmental burden, especially its impact on human health.”

Despite the promising advancements highlighted by the team’s study, challenges remain in the journey toward a sustainable hydrogen economy. The high energy requirements for hydrogen production, the need for further research on alternative catalysts, and the imperative of addressing economic and social sustainability dimensions remain critical areas for future research, according to the research team.

“As a greener alternative to fossil-fuel derived energy, hydrogen as an energy carrier is one of the most feasible ways to progress towards decarbonization,” Dr. Al Ali says. “Our analysis shows that wind-powered thermochemical hydrogen sulfide splitting shows a reduced environmental load. We also concluded that in order for electricity generated from renewable sources to be more practical, the negative effects on human health must be reduced. Future studies should concentrate on the economic, social, and energy issues that are fundamental to sustainability.”

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
28 March 2024

Professor Marcos Lopez de Prado’s Article Emphasizes Use of Causal Graphs for More Robust Foundation for Analysis and Decision-Making in Factor Investing

Khalifa University’s Professor of Practice from the Mathematics department, and ADIA Lab scientist and Advisory Board member has been honored with the 25th Bernstein Fabozzi/Jacobs Levy ‘Outstanding Article’ Award, for his groundbreaking research work on the critical examination of the econometric approaches used in factor investing studies. 

The article titled, Where are the Factors in Factor Investing?, published in The Journal of Portfolio Management, was authored by Dr. Marcos Lopez de Prado. The Bernstein Fabozzi/Jacobs Levy Award, now in its 25th year, is determined by the readership of The Journal of Portfolio Management and recognizes the most innovative and impactful research of the year. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include multiple Nobel Prize laureates and prominent figures from both industry and academia. 

Dr. Jorge P. Zubelli, Department Chair, Mathematics, Khalifa University, said: “Further fostering Khalifa University’s commitment to scientific exploration, especially in computational data and analysis, the 25th Bernstein Fabozzi/Jacobs Levy Award recognizes the significant contributions made by Professor Marcos Lopez de Prado in advancing our understanding of factor investing. Drawing upon his extensive research and findings, his conclusions that the field of factor investing must break free from its reliance on associational models challenges us to rethink our approach and encourages more robust methodologies in factor investing.”

Frank Fabozzi, Editor of the Journal of Portfolio Management, said: “Dr. Marcos’s work brings to light the overlooked importance of causal reasoning in factor investing. His innovative analysis and recommendations could significantly strengthen the scientific basis of factor investing. Our readers believe that this is an exciting line of research, and the Journal looks forward to further discoveries in this direction.”

Dr. Lopez de Prado was earlier named ‘Quants of the Year’ at Risk Awards 2021 by Risk Net jointly with Dr. Alex Lipton, also a Faculty member in the Mathematics Department. 

In the award-winning article, Dr. Lopez de Prado critically examines the current econometric approaches used in factor investing studies, advocating for the use of causal graphs to modernize the field of factor investing and improve the accuracy and reliability of factor models. He emphasizes the importance of understanding causality, using causal graphs and probabilistic graphical models to better visualize and understand the causal relationships between different factors. Through practical applications, Professor Lopez de Prado also shows how causal graphs provide a way to make sense of data and uncover meaningful insights when traditional experiments are not feasible. He writes that these graphs help understand the relationships between different factors and shed light on the effects they might have. 

Through computational algorithms in Monte Carlo experiments, Dr. Lopez de Prado further illustrates the practicality and effectiveness of causal graphs in real-world scenarios, showcasing the benefits that can be gained from embracing causal reasoning in factor investing. In this segment, he discusses three examples where standard econometric methods can lead to mistakes and false claims about factors and their effects, drawing attention to incorrect conclusions based on associations between variables without solid evidence of causation. 

Focusing on separating ‘association’ from ‘causation’ through the use of causal graphs, as he explains, offers a deeper understanding of the ceteris paribus (all other things being equal) assumption frequently employed by economists. This assumption, often taken for granted, gains new significance when viewed through a causal lens.

Alisha Roy 
Science Writer
27 March 2024

Partnership Will Contribute to Developing Cutting-Edge Solutions Focusing on Sustainability and Innovations

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the United Al Saqer Group, a leading UAE-based conglomerate today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide funding and collaborate on research activities, and fostering the development of industry-focused projects in the fields of healthcare, life science, and water and environment.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Mohammed bin Butti AlHamed, Member of United Al Saqer Group’s Board of Directors, and His Excellency Homaid Al Shimmari, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa University. The partnership was signed by Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, and Nabil Kobeissi, CEO of United Al Saqer Group. 

Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, said: “The partnership with United Al Saqer Group underscores our commitment as a responsible research-driven academic institution to engage with leading organizations, driving real-world advancements in research, innovation, and sustainable solutions in water, environment, and healthcare domains. Leveraging Khalifa University’s academic and research expertise alongside the industry-wide reach and resources of United Al Saqer will enable us to further enhance our research and talent development actions in these key areas in line with our steadfast commitment to work to safeguard the environment, preserve natural resources, and enhance public health.”

Nabil Kobeissi, CEO, United Al Saqer Group said: “United Al Saqer group remains committed to translating our wise leadership’s vision of creating a thriving and globally competitive knowledge-based economy. As one of the leading entities to invest in Healthcare, Life Science and future-orientated solutions, supporting universities in their research and talent development efforts will be a key mandate for us for the foreseeable future. With this partnership and many others by us and other private sector players, a momentum is being created by Abu Dhabi actions and growing confidence to take our rightful place globally as a hub for solutions generation to the most challenging problems facing the world. Over the next 10 years, United Al Saqer group will go above and beyond to support the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This will be mainly through continuing to invest in world class solutions and businesses; partnering with academic institutions and many other players locally and globally, to support researchers, visionaries and entrepreneurs to realize their passion; and through supporting incubators and hubs to attract promising talent and ideas.”

The partnership will allow United Al Saqer Group to provide recurrent funding for research and solutions creation by the teams in Khalifa University. In addition, it will be leveraging the established and growing expertise and various industry networks that United Al Saqer Group has, through its local and international strategic investments across various sectors investments cultivated over the last five decades. This collaboration will extend to furthering the healthcare and life sciences domain, encompassing a diverse range of research projects and initiatives from Khalifa University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), which has already developed cutting-edge innovations and achieved scientific milestones. These include the design and production of a novel bio-printer capable of fabricating artificial tissues and organoids for research purposes, the establishment of the first Emirati Reference Human Genome, novel drug discovery and delivery technologies, identification of new therapeutic targets for major diseases affecting Emiratis, new sensors and intelligent systems-based approaches to optimize the diagnosis of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

In the area of water and environment, Khalifa University has already paved the way with several sustainable-focused projects, showcased recently at the global climate summit, COP28 UAE. These include a 3D-printed membranes for water treatment, the creation of a 3U CubeSat for climate change assessment, a water-from-air system powered solely by solar energy, and the establishment of the Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS) — the world’s first research facility that minimizes waste, cultivates food and fuel using desert land irrigated by seawater, and produces sustainable biofuels for aviation.

The Environmental and Water Resources Engineering program at Khalifa University focuses on advancements in wastewater treatment, environmental fluid dynamics, hydraulics, hydrology, water resources engineering, desalination, air quality monitoring, and pollution control. Not ending with research projects, two Khalifa University faculty were recently honored with the first and second place at the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award – First Cycle for their commitment to protecting the environment and their innovative environmental solutions.

Alisha Roy 
Science Writer
25 March 2024

Gait analysis could be the future of forensic identification as Khalifa University team develops model to recognize individuals by the way they walk

Gait biometrics, or gait recognition, is a sophisticated process that discerns individuals by analyzing their walking style. It is part of a burgeoning domain known as behavioral biometrics, which leverages the unique behavioral characteristics inherent to each individual, such as their distinctive gait, to identify and verify personal identity.

A team of researchers from Khalifa University has developed a model that recognizes the biological and physical characteristics of individuals through their gait. Dr. Chan Yeob Yeun, Dr. Kamal Taha, Dr. Yousof Al-Hammadi and Prof. Sami Muhaidat, with Paul Yoo, University of London, published their work in Computers and Security, a top 1% journal.

The research team’s study builds on numerous studies that have explored the potential gait recognition could have in identification tasks, including gender classification and age estimation. Previous studies have predominantly relied on 2D/3D images captured by surveillance cameras, but this reliance on image-based data presents challenges, as the quality of identification models can be compromised by factors such as image resolution and variations in an individual’s appearance due to clothing or environmental conditions.

Recent advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable technology offer a promising alternative to image-based data, according to the research team.

“The proliferation of IoT devices enables the non-intrusive collection of gait data, providing a new avenue for gait-based applications,” Dr. Yeun says. “In light of this, our study introduces a novel gait-based identification model that harnesses inertial locomotion information, sidestepping the pitfalls associated with image-based approaches.”

“Our approach involves collecting gait data through wearable technology in the shoes while users walk on a treadmill,” Dr. Yeun says. “This data is then processed using a deep neural network of stacked sparse auto-encoders to extract high-level features, ensuring the model’s resilience to variations in gait. By combining original attributes with these advanced features, we employ a clustering-based learning model that can accurately identify individuals based on their gait information.”

Gait biometrics, while less explored than traditional biometrics such as fingerprints or iris scans, presents a unique opportunity for identification in both security and forensic contexts. The use of deep neural networks, as proposed in this study, leverages the inherent ability of these models to generate invariant representations of gait patterns. This is critical for ensuring reliable identification across varying conditions, such as changes in walking speed or posture.

“Despite its promising research background, gait biometrics has seen limited commercial application, primarily restricted to niche markets like wearable and floor sensor industries,” Dr. Yeun says. “Using sensors in mobile devices introduces a new dimension to gait analysis, offering a non-intrusive and continuous monitoring solution. This is particularly advantageous for applications requiring minimal user intervention, such as health-care monitoring and passive security systems. However, challenges related to data variability, sensor accuracy, and environmental factors must be addressed to enhance reliability.

The research team developed a new gait dataset using cutting-edge wearable technology in shoes and constructed a machine-learning model that melds high-level data representations with a randomized multi-layered clustering approach. Their model outperforms traditional learning models in identifying individual characteristics and showcases the potential of machine learning techniques for gait analysis. The model accurately recognized gender of the walker in 75.55 percent of cases and the age of the walker in 76.66 percent of cases. The team also highlighted the promising avenues for further research in this field, including expanding the dataset to encompass a broader demographic and investigating the long-term stability of gait as a biometric modality. The team plans to explore real-time implementation and deployment of the model in practical scenarios, such as health-care monitoring or security systems, to provide valuable insights into its feasibility and effectiveness in real-world applications.

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
25 March 2024

Dr. Mohamed Ramy El-Maarry, Recognized by IAU and has an Asteroid Named After Him, is Featured on KUST Review’s Cover

His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Khalifa University Board of Trustees, has acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Dr. Mohamed Ramy El-Maarry, for having an asteroid named after him and his contributions to the field of astronomy. Dr. El-Maarry, Director of the Space and Planetary Science Group and Associate Professor of Earth Sciences, was recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which renamed the ‘2002 CZ’ asteroid to (357148) El-Maarry – marking a historic moment for Khalifa University and for the UAE space sector.  

In recognition of this outstanding achievement, His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed that Dr. El-Maarry’s accomplishments be featured as the cover story of the third issue of the scientific journal, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KUST) Review. The cover feature, titled Technological Innovations in Space, presents Dr. El-Maarry’s fascinating account of the formation of the solar system and its planets, highlighting his work.

KUST Review is a magazine about global trends, innovations, and news in the scientific and technological domains. The publication seeks to inspire and raise awareness about the transformative scientific and technological developments shaping our world today.

The latest edition of KUST Review delves into the challenges and advancements in space exploration, spotlighting the technology, materials, and research propelling progress. It explores the significance of graphene and other 2D materials in overcoming space-related obstacles, sheds light on space laws and the problem of space debris. Additionally, it emphasizes the vital role that universities play in commercializing research and safeguarding space systems from cyber threats. The edition also covers fresh perspectives on the Voyager’s Golden Records, which were sent into space in 1977 with the hopes of communicating with extraterrestrial life.

To view the Space edition of KUST Review, click here: kustreview.com/published-issues

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
20 March 2024

KU Assessed and Certified in Planning, Control and Implementation of Sustainable Procurement Activities for the Supply of Goods and Services

The Khalifa University Procurement and Contracts Department has received the ISO 20400:2017 certification from Bureau Veritas, an accredited certification body, for the integration of sustainability principles into procurement processes, with a focus on promoting responsible practices, and reducing environmental impacts.

Esmaeel Al Ahmed, Vice-President, Procurement and Contracts, Khalifa University, received the letter of compliance from Krupa Rahul, Head of Certification, Bureau Veritas, and other officials, during a ceremony at the Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus marking the conclusion of the inspection and assessment. The certification was awarded for planning, control, and implementation of sustainable procurement activities in the supply of goods and services.

Krupa Rahul said: “Khalifa University’s achievement of ISO 20400 certification demonstrates their commitment to implementing a robust sustainable procurement framework. Their focus on integrating environmental, social, and ethical considerations throughout their supply chain aligns perfectly with the core principles of the standard. By prioritizing sustainable practices, Khalifa University is setting a commendable example for other organizations in the region and contributing significantly to broader efforts towards a more sustainable future.”

By implementing ISO 20400:2017 standard, institutions can improve productivity, evaluate the value and performance of their procurement processes, facilitate effective communication between purchasers, suppliers and other stakeholders, and drive more innovation within their procurement practices. More importantly it contributes to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including UN SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Khalifa University’s comprehensive range of certifications meet the requirements of several other standards such as the ISO 9001:2015 that demonstrates the implementation and maintenance of an effective quality management system. Other certifications include the ISO 45001, an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at work, the ISO 10004:2018 in quality management and customer satisfaction, 14001 in environmental management as well as 50001 in energy management, which is awarded for increasing energy efficiency, promoting best energy practices and improving energy performance.

Additionally, the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology (KU-BTC) remains the first research center in the UAE to receive accreditation from the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) for ‘‘Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)’, following its compliance with the ISO 15189:2012 requirements on quality and competence.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
19 March 2024